In the rapidly evolving world of behavioral health and addiction treatment, staying stagnant is not an option. At California Care Recovery, we believe that providing the highest quality of care requires a commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and connection. It is with this spirit of excellence that we are thrilled to announce that our Founder and CEO, Jason Bouquet, will be attending the 17th Annual West Coast Symposium on Addictive Disorders, held from May 28–30, 2026, in the beautiful desert sanctuary of Palm Springs, CA.
This premier gathering is widely recognized as the West Coast’s most talked-about event in behavioral health. For Jason Bouquet, attending is more than a professional obligation—it is a mission-driven opportunity to bring the latest clinical breakthroughs and operational strategies back to the clients we serve in Southern California.
Empowering Change: What is the West Coast Symposium?
Now in its 17th year, the West Coast Symposium (WCSAD) has grown from a modest gathering of 400 professionals in 2010 to a powerhouse event welcoming nearly 1,600 attendees and over 120 exhibitors. Held at the iconic La Quinta Resort of Palm Springs, the symposium is designed to be a dynamic, interactive learning experience that equips addiction treatment and behavioral health professionals with the skills they need to improve outcomes.
The 2026 agenda is particularly robust, featuring 25+ sessions led by 35+ national experts. These leaders bring cutting-edge clinical knowledge to the most pressing challenges facing the California treatment landscape—one of the largest and most diverse addiction treatment markets in the country.
A Cutting-Edge Curriculum for Modern Recovery
The symposium covers a wide array of topics that align perfectly with the holistic, evidence-based approach we champion at California Care Recovery. Key areas of focus for the 2026 event include:
- Emerging Substance Trends: Deep dives into the challenges posed by nitazenes, xylazine, and the impact of GLP-1s in addiction recovery.
- Neuroscience-Informed Tools: Utilizing the latest brain science to inform treatment delivery.
- Trauma and Attachment: Addressing attachment wounds and family dynamics through relational frameworks.
- Innovative Strategies: Exploring harm reduction ethics, burnout prevention for clinicians, and the impact of AI and social media on youth.
- Clinical Frameworks: Advanced training in Motivational Interviewing, Contingency Management, and Resilience Strategies.
For Jason Bouquet, these sessions represent the “gold standard” of continuing education. By engaging with these national experts, Jason ensures that California Care Recovery remains at the cutting edge of behavioral healthcare.
Jason Bouquet: A Leader Driven by Personal Experience
To understand why Jason is so committed to attending events like the West Coast Symposium, one must understand the heart behind his leadership. Jason isn’t just a CEO with a title; he is a person in long-term recovery who has walked the very path his clients are on today.
From Struggle to Purpose
Jason’s inspiration for founding California Care Recovery comes from his own journey through addiction. He recognizes the immense hurdles—the shame, the physical pain, and the mental fog—that individuals face when struggling with Substance Use Disorder (SUD). With over thirty years of experience in operations management and eight years as a dedicated advocate for the recovery community, Jason brings a unique blend of executive leadership and raw empathy to the field.
The “Hands-On” CEO
Jason’s leadership style is defined by active engagement. He is involved in every aspect of California Care Recovery’s operations, from the initial intake process to the daily clinical schedules. He believes that true leadership means walking alongside both his staff and his clients.
“I am a ‘hands-on’ CEO. I make sure that I’m included in every aspect of the process, always working on achieving the highest quality of care for my patients by motivating our staff to be better every day,” Jason says.
By attending the West Coast Symposium, Jason is able to motivate his staff with new ideas and evidence-based practices, fostering a culture of excellence where the staff is constantly challenged to “be better every day.”
Embracing Recovery: The Power of Connection
The theme of the 2026 Symposium—Empowering Change, Encouraging Connection, Embracing Recovery—mirrors the core values of California Care Recovery. Jason understands that addiction thrives in isolation, and recovery flourishes in connection.
Uniting with Passionate Peers
Over the three-day event, Jason will unite with national leaders and passionate peers who share the mission to advance recovery. This professional networking is vital; it allows California Care Recovery to form partnerships with other high-quality providers, ensuring that our clients have access to a vast continuum of care both during and after their stay with us.
The symposium features an incredible lineup of keynote speakers for 2026, including:
- Tanya L. Gouveia: A licensed counselor and adjunct professor specializing in addiction recovery counseling.
- Chantelle Thomas: Executive Clinical Director at Windrose Recovery, known for clinical excellence.
- Karen Osilla: Associate Professor at the Stanford School of Medicine, bringing high-level research to the table.
Learning from these giants in the field allows Jason to refine the flexible and compassionate approach that California Care Recovery is known for.
A Holistic Approach: Healing Mind, Body, and Spirit
One of the sessions Jason is most interested in at the Symposium involves Recovery Capital and Resilience Strategies. This fits perfectly into his belief that lasting recovery requires a comprehensive approach.
At California Care Recovery, we don’t just focus on stopping the use of drugs or alcohol. Under Jason’s guidance, we focus on treating the entire individual. This means:
- Physical Healing: Safe, medical detoxification and a focus on physical wellness.
- Emotional Stability: Therapy that addresses the root causes of addiction, such as trauma or co-occurring mental health disorders.
- Spiritual Growth: Helping individuals find a renewed sense of purpose and joy.
Modeling Self-Care
Jason doesn’t just preach self-care to his clients; he lives it. He understands that to lead others effectively, he must maintain his own balance. Before he starts his busy day as CEO, you can often find him playing pickleball or hitting the gym.
“It’s about self-care and a healthy step forward in my daily life that recharges me to push one day at a time to stay motivated to keep helping others,” Jason shares.
This commitment to a balanced lifestyle is something he encourages for every client. By prioritizing his own health, he models the very habits that lead to sustainable, fulfilling lives in sobriety.
The Vision: Leading the Way in California Recovery
As Jason prepares to head to Palm Springs this May, his vision for the future of California Care Recovery is clearer than ever. He is dedicated to expanding access to care and incorporating the new, research-backed practices he will learn at the West Coast Symposium.
“We are always looking to improve and evolve,” Jason says. “We’re committed to staying on the cutting edge of addiction treatment, incorporating new research and practices to offer the best care possible.”
One Day at a Time
Despite the high-level growth and the attendance at prestigious national conferences, Jason’s core advice for anyone starting their journey remains the same: “One day at a time.”
Recovery can feel overwhelming when looking at the years ahead. Jason’s philosophy is to break it down into manageable pieces. By focusing on today, and today only, individuals can make lasting progress without being crushed by the weight of the future.
Join the Mission: Connect with California Care Recovery
Jason Bouquet’s attendance at the 17th Annual West Coast Symposium is a testament to the dedication that fuels California Care Recovery. We are not just another treatment center; we are a community led by someone who knows what it takes to win the fight against addiction.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or mental health challenges, you don’t have to face it alone. Our team, led by a CEO who puts “recovery first,” is ready to walk with you every step of the way.
Experience the difference that compassionate, evidence-based, and hands-on leadership makes.
At California Care Recovery, our mission is anchored in three pillars: integrity, empathy, and innovation. We are honored to participate in the 2026 West Coast Symposium as part of a collective effort to improve behavioral health outcomes across the country. We know that recovery is never a solo journey—it is a collaborative mission. By staying at the forefront of clinical best practices and learning from our peers, we ensure that every individual who enters our care receives a gold standard of treatment. Whether you are a fellow provider, clinician, or advocate attending WCSAD 2026, we invite you to connect with Jason Bouquet to learn how we are raising the bar for dual diagnosis and addiction care. Let’s collaborate to build a stronger, more compassionate recovery community that truly empowers change. Contact us today to see how we are transforming the recovery landscape.